Use Journal Finder
Scholarly Journals |
Trade/Professional Publications |
General Interest Magazines |
|
Purpose |
To make original research available to the rest of the scholarly world. | To provide practical information to people in an industry as well as showcase leaders in the field. | To provide information to a general audience on a range of topics. |
Why use them? |
Using this type of information lends credibility to your own ideas and hypotheses. | Helpful for analying a particular industry. Also useful when applying for a job or preparing for an interview. | Good for identifying potential topics for a research project as well as identifying current or hot issues. |
Authors |
Scholars or researchers in a specific subject area or discipline. | Specialists or practitioners in a particular field or industry. | Magazine's staff, an expert or scholar, or a freelance writer. |
Sources |
Always cited as footnotes, endnotes or reference lists at the end of an article. | Sources are often mentioned within an article but rarely are cited at the end of an article. | Occasionally cite sources, but this is the exception. |
Language |
Uses terminology, jargon and language of the discipline. Reader is assumed to have a similar scholarly background. | Uses jargon specific to a particular field or industry, but writing is for educated professionals. | Uses language appropriate for an educated readership but doesn't emphasize any discipline's specific jargon. |
Review process |
Articles must go through a strict review process by peers within the discipline. | Minimal review by editorial staff and rarely by peers. | Minimal review by editorial staff. |
Graphics |
Contains graphs, charts, and photographs specific to the research but seldom graphic art. | Illustrations are usually charts, graphs and photographs relevant to the article, some graphic art. | Photographs, illustrations and graphs are used to enhance the overall publication. |
Publishers |
Most often published by a professional organization or specialty publishing company. | Often published by professional organizations relevant to a particular field or industry. | Generally published by commercial enterprises for profit. |
Advertising |
Often not present or small amounts of selective advertising. | Advertising is relevant to the profession or industry. | Includes advertising which appeals to a broad readership. |
Examples |
Science Journal of Biological Chemistry Journal of the American Medical Association |
Nation's Restaurant News Publisher's Weekly Advertising Age |
Forbes Scientific American Time |
Adapted from Purdue University Libraries
Last modified: December 20, 2010
